CVSA 2022 International Roadcheck May 17-19 Focus on Wheel Ends

The 2022 International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 17-19, 2022.

The annual International Roadcheck conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)  is a high-visibility reminder of the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety.

During last year’s 72-hour inspection, 9,691 vehicles were placed out-of-service with the top violation being for braking systems (26.5%) and 41.5% of driver OOS was due to hours-of-service violations.

In consideration of COVID-19 and the health and safety of commercial motor vehicle inspectors and drivers, law enforcement personnel will conduct inspections following their departments’ health and safety protocols during International Roadcheck.

Review some of the CVSA Inspection Results from 2021

DOT inspection focus for 2022 International Roadcheck

Primarily, the International Roadcheck conducts the North American Standard (NAS) Level I Inspection, which includes 37 steps in two main inspection categories:

• driver operating requirements
• vehicle mechanical fitness
• Note: hazardous materials/dangerous goods are sometimes part of a Level I inspection

Depending on other factors, an inspector could conduct a:

• Level II inspection (walk-around driver/vehicle)
• Level III inspection (driver/credential/administrative) and/or
• Level IV inspection (vehicle-only)

Each year, there is also a special category focus. This year’s CVSA Roadcheck focus will be on wheel ends.

Wheel end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles, maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking.

Violations involving wheel end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during International Roadcheck, and past International Roadcheck data routinely identified wheel end components as a top 10 vehicle violation.

What to expect during the CVSA International Roadcheck

At a minimum, drivers should anticipate the following procedures during a roadside DOT inspection:

• inspector greeting, interview, driver preparation
• collection/verification of driver documents
• motor carrier ID
• license examination
• records check (duty status and periodic inspection reports)
• certification check (if needed)
  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Skill Performance Evaluation Certification, and
  • daily vehicle inspection report
• other inspections such as driver seat belt usage, illness, fatigue, impairments due to substance use

A roadside DOT inspection would include critical components such as:

• brake systems
• cargo securement
• coupling devices
• driveline/driveshaft components
• driver’s seat (missing)
• exhaust systems
• frames
• fuel systems
• lighting devices
• steering mechanisms
• suspension system
• tires
• van and open-top trailer bodies
• wheels, rims, and hubs
• windshield wipers
• Buses, motor coaches, passenger vans or other passenger-carrying vehicles: emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, and temporary and aisle seating

Although this 3-day event spanning from Canada to Mexico intensifies the frequency of inspections, it’s crucial to remember that DOT inspections happen every day of the year.

Obeying safety standards and being prepared for inspection at any time of the year is a vital aspect of any driver’s protocol.

What are CVSA Standards for critical violations?

The basis for violations comes from the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Out-of-service orders and the number, type and severity of safety violations affect a motor carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and its Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) rating.

DOT Audits: We can perform a mock audit for you

You can stay ahead of the FMCSA by ensuring your drivers are in compliance before sending them out on the road. We offer many services, but one specifically—DOT Mock Audits—help trucking companies operate with the confidence that they will pass any audits or inspections the FMCSA throws at them.

Basically, in a DOT Mock Audit, we send out a specialist that will conduct an audit in the exact same way a DOT officer would. This can help keep you prepared for any surprise roadside inspection or any future actual DOT audits, and you can be sure that they will happen.

All CNS services are geared toward keeping your trucking company safe and compliant so that you stay on the road and pass all DOT inspections.

For any assistance related to DOT Audits, call (888) 260-9448 or email at info@cnsprotects.com.